Club América vs Monterrey — Match Preview
The Liga MX Liguilla reaches a boiling point this Saturday at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes as Club América look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Monterrey in the Quarter-final second leg. The first leg at the BBVA was marred by refereeing controversy, but the reality for André Jardine’s men is stark: they need a near-perfect performance to stay alive.
Monterrey arrives in the capital with a comfortable cushion and the psychological edge, having won the first leg 2-0 thanks to their efficient counter-attacking. However, the Rayados will be wary of an América side that is historically dangerous when backed into a corner. With the “play-in” curse looming over the league, can the Águilas produce a famous remontada, or will Monterrey book their spot in the semi-finals?
Club América vs Monterrey — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Club América vs Monterrey
- Competition: Liga MX Apertura 2025 (Quarter-final – Second Leg)
- Venue: Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Mexico City
- Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
- Kickoff Time: 17:00 CST (Local) / 23:00 GMT / 04:30 IST (Sunday)
- Referee: TBC (First leg referee Jesús López suspended due to errors)
- TV Channel (Mexico/USA): TUDN, Univision, Canal 5
- TV Channel (India): No official broadcast (Streaming via betting sites)
- Live Stream: ViX Premium, TUDN App
Club América vs Monterrey — Match Context (2025 Season)
Club América:
- Position: 4th in Regular Season (34 Points).
- Form: Shaky. The 2-0 loss in the first leg highlighted their recent struggles. They have won only one of their last five competitive matches.
- Current Challenge: Overcoming a 2-goal deficit without key winger Allan Saint-Maximin. The team feels aggrieved by the first leg officiating but must channel that anger into goals.
Monterrey:
- Position: 5th in Regular Season (31 Points).
- Form: Peaking. The 2-0 win over América was their best performance in weeks. They have found defensive stability at the right time.
- Current Challenge: Managing the game state. They don’t need to win, but sitting back too deep against América at home is a dangerous game.
Club América vs Monterrey — What’s at Stake
For Club América:
- The “Bicampeonato” Dream: As defending champions in recent times, an early exit in the quarter-finals would be a disaster for Jardine. They need to win by 2 goals to advance (due to better regular season position).
For Monterrey:
- Title Credibility: Knocking out América would make them instant favorites for the title. It’s a chance to exorcise the ghosts of past playoff failures against the capital giants.
Club América vs Monterrey — Team Form
Club América (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Monterrey (0-2)
- D vs LA Galaxy (2-2 – Friendly)
- L vs Toluca (0-4)
- W vs Club León (2-0)
- D vs Mazatlán (2-2)
Monterrey (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Club América (2-0)
- L vs Chivas (2-4)
- D vs Tigres UANL (1-1)
- L vs Cruz Azul (0-2)
- W vs FC Juárez (4-2)
Club América vs Monterrey — Team News
Club América:
- Allan Saint-Maximin: Out (Illness – A massive blow to their creative output).
- Dagoberto Espinoza: Out (Knee Injury).
- Mauro Rodríguez: Out (Injury).
- Diego Valdés: Available. The Chilean playmaker must carry the team in Saint-Maximin’s absence.
- Henry Martín: Expected to start and captain the side, needing to break his mini-drought.
Monterrey:
- Lucas Ocampos: Out (Wrist Injury – Fractured in the first leg/training, huge loss).
- Carlos Salcedo: Out (Calf Injury – The “Titan” misses the return leg against his former suitors).
- Sergio Canales: Fit and available. He was the architect of the first leg victory.
- Germán Berterame: Expected to lead the line, looking to exploit spaces on the counter.
Club América vs Monterrey — Head to Head
- 27 Nov 2025: Monterrey 2–0 Club América (Liguilla)
- 21 Sep 2025: Monterrey 2–2 Club América
- 17 Apr 2025: Monterrey 1–0 Club América
- 16 Dec 2024: Monterrey 1–1 Club América
- 13 Dec 2024: Club América 2–1 Monterrey
Club América vs Monterrey — Predicted Lineups
Club América (4-2-3-1):
Jardine must attack. Borja and Kevin Álvarez will play almost as wingers.
- GK: Luis Malagón
- RB: Kevin Álvarez
- CB: Israel Reyes
- CB: Sebastián Cáceres
- LB: Cristian Borja
- CDM: Jonathan dos Santos
- CDM: Álvaro Fidalgo
- RW: Alejandro Zendejas
- CAM: Diego Valdés
- LW: Brian Rodríguez
- ST: Henry Martín (C)
Monterrey (4-4-1-1):
Demichelis will likely set up a compact block to protect the lead.
- GK: Esteban Andrada
- RB: Erick Aguirre
- CB: Víctor Guzmán
- CB: Héctor Moreno (C)
- LB: Gerardo Arteaga
- RM: Jordi Cortizo
- CM: Jorge Rodríguez
- CM: Oliver Torres
- LM: Jesús “Tecatito” Corona
- CAM: Sergio Canales
- ST: Germán Berterame
Club América vs Monterrey — Impact Bench Options
Club América:
- Rodrigo Aguirre: The former Rayados striker offers physical chaos off the bench. If América need a goal, he will go to two up top.
- Richard Sánchez: Can provide lethal long-range shooting if Monterrey sits deep.
Monterrey:
- Fidel Ambríz: Young midfielder who can add energy and bite to close out the game.
- Brandon Vázquez: A perfect outlet to hold up the ball if Berterame gets tired.
Club América vs Monterrey — Tactical Outlook
Club América:
- Playing Style: All-Out Attack. América needs two goals. Expect Fidalgo to dictate tempo and Diego Valdés to push very high. They will overload the wings to force Monterrey deep.
- Weakness: Counter-Attack Vulnerability. Pushing high leaves space for Canales and Berterame. One goal for Monterrey forces América to score four.
Monterrey:
- Playing Style: Disciplined Block. They will play a 4-4-2 defensively, trying to deny space to Valdés. Sergio Canales will look to release runners instantly upon turnover.
- Strength: Transition Speed. Even without Ocampos, “Tecatito” and Cortizo are fast. They thrive when the opponent leaves gaps.
Club América vs Monterrey — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Henry Martín vs. Héctor Moreno | Physical Duel: Henry needs to pin Moreno to create space for Valdés. Moreno’s experience is key to stopping him. | Tie |
| Álvaro Fidalgo vs. Sergio Canales | Midfield Maestros: The battle of the Spanish playmakers. Whoever controls the ball controls the game. | América |
| Kevin Álvarez vs. Jesús Corona | Flank War: Kevin will attack constantly. “Tecatito” must track back or exploit the space left behind. | Monterrey |
Club América vs Monterrey — Spotlight Players
Diego Valdés (Club América):
The Chilean #10 went missing in the first leg. He is the most talented player on the pitch but needs to show it. If he finds his rhythm, América can score three.
Esteban Andrada (Monterrey):
The goalkeeper will be busy. América will rain crosses and shots. Andrada needs a “Monumental” performance to keep a clean sheet and calm his defense.
Club América vs Monterrey — Fan Reactions
Club América Fans:
“The referee robbed us in the first leg, but no excuses now. We are América, we come back!”
“Without Saint-Maximin it’s hard, but Zendejas and Brian have to step up.”
Monterrey Fans:
“2-0 is the most dangerous lead. We need to score one to kill their spirit.”
“No Ocampos is tough, but Canales is on another level right now.”
Club América vs Monterrey — Where to Watch
- Mexico: Canal 5, TUDN, ViX Premium
- USA: Univision, TUDN, ViX
- International: Bet365 (Streaming)
Club América vs Monterrey — Match-Defining Factors
- The Early Goal: If América scores in the first 20 minutes, the stadium will explode, and Monterrey might crumble. If Monterrey scores first, the tie is effectively over.
- Refereeing Pressure: After the controversy of the first leg, the new referee will be under immense scrutiny. Every 50/50 call will be contested furiously.
- Valdés’s Freedom: Monterrey neutralized him in the first leg. Jardine needs a tactical tweak to get his star man on the ball in dangerous areas.
Club América vs Monterrey — Prediction
Score Prediction: Club América 2–1 Monterrey (Monterrey wins 3-2 on aggregate)
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Club América to Win (on the night).
- Qualification: Monterrey to Advance.
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 Goals (América must attack, leaving gaps).
Analysis: América will come out with incredible intensity and likely win the match, fueled by the home crowd and a sense of injustice. However, Monterrey’s counter-attacking threat is too potent to be kept quiet for 90 minutes. A late away goal for Rayados will likely seal the tie, ending América’s hopes of a “bicampeonato.”
Club América vs Monterrey — Final Word
It’s “Matar o Morir” (Kill or Die) for Club América. They have the talent to turn this around, but the 2-0 deficit is a mountain against a team as organized as Monterrey. Expect drama, controversy, and a frantic finish, but ultimately, the Rayados should have enough to hold on and advance to the semi-finals.
Club América vs Monterrey — FAQs
When is the América vs Monterrey second leg?
The match is on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at 17:00 CST.
Is Allan Saint-Maximin playing?
No, Allan Saint-Maximin is ruled out with an illness.
What does América need to advance?
América needs to win by 2 goals or more to advance (due to their higher regular season position acting as the tiebreaker).
Where can I watch the match?
In Mexico and the USA, the match will be broadcast on TUDN and ViX.
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